My cousin's wedding in Tel Aviv featured the BEST simcha food I have ever enjoyed. It was simple, no fuss, pure deliciousness. The main course featured a choice between 1) melt-in-your-mouth short ribs,...

The New Passover Menu is the newest cookbook written by Paula Shoyer. In this innovative new cookbook, Paula does an excellent, and I must say delicious, job of creating new recipes that work in the confines...

The New Passover Menu is the newest cookbook written by Paula Shoyer. In this innovative new cookbook, Paula does an excellent, and I must say delicious, job of creating new recipes that work in the confines...

Printable Purim Cards for Every Style

Potent Potables for Purim

Persian Menu for your Purim Seudah

Though I am solidly Ashkenazic, I love the idea of a Persian Purim Seudah and I came up with some Sephardic-inspired dishes to add to the repertoire. After all, the whole Purim story takes place in exotic Persia and the Megillah gives us such a vivid picture of what life was like that we are virtually transported to Shushan. So when in Rome (or, um, Shushan)….

Perfect Purim Wines

We are talking with Jay Buchsbaum, a wine educator from Royal Wine Corporation, who has taught us a great deal about serving wine with our meal. Today we discuss which are the appropriate wines for Purim.

Just in time for PURIM!

Jams, Salsas and Chutneys **GIVEAWAY**

Jams, salsas and chutneys add zing to even the most boring foods. Though they originated in different parts of the world (England, Mexico and India respectively), they are all essentially sauces made from fruits, vegetables or herbs and/or spices. It seems that in every culture there’s a need to spice up food with something gooey. They all belong to the same family, so to speak – and I love family (even more than I love food).

Italian Themed Purim Menu

When you want to get away from the same ol’ same ol’ Purim seudah, a great idea is to have a have a themed menu. Why not go all out? Get into the spirit with music, table décor and costumes. Of course, spirits help you get into the spirit, so don’t skimp there either.

How to Lose Weight on (and After) Purim

Homemade Treats for Purim – Win a Gift Basket!!

So it’s nearly Purim and the excitement in my house is rising every day. I’m not a great one to fuss with costumes, but my mind is bubbling over with ideas for Mishloach Manot. Depending on what neighborhood you inhabit, these gifts also can be called “shalach munis” or simply Purim treats. It’s more than mere “tradition” to give goodies to friends and family. The practice of giving food – specifically two different types -- was mandated as a mitzvah at the suggestion of Queen Esther (you’ll find it in the Megillah), and we’re still obeying to this day. I like to go out of my way to give Mishloach Manot to people I just met or to new friends: it’s a great opportunity to break the ice with new neighbors too.